GOTCHA!

A goat’s head effigy hangs in the shadows.

Who put it there in the tree at the bottom of my garden?

Have I been marked for death, by them?

I'm so young, it's not fair! So much to see and do.

I take a moment.

That's it! I'll confront this head on. 

They won't take me whimpering and cowering in the darkness.

I stride out through the patio doors.

Down the garden in just my socks and underpants.

Pitch black darkness; moon obscured by clouds.

The only light coming from the static on the TV in the room behind me.

I approach the tree, looking at the effigy out the corner of my eye.

The only sound comes from it gently knocking against the tree.

I take a deep breath, then reach up and snatch it.

I look down at what's in my hands:

my pair of Converse high-top boots tied together by the laces.

Bastard big brother!

I should stop falling asleep in front of the TV.

#nightdwellers #beginningline